I Have Clover Mites: What’s the Next Step?

Clover Mite

Clover mites may look vicious with their bright red coloring (not to mention that they’re close cousins to even nastier creepy crawlies, like spiders and ticks), but they’re actually relatively harmless. They don’t carry diseases, bite people, or cause any interior damage. But they’re still insects, and you don’t want these pests in or around your home! So what are clover mites, and what should you do if you see them? 

 

What are Clover Mites?

Clover mites are tiny red bugs that generally congregate around plants and grass outside (making them a potential nightmare for your lawn) and tend to have little interest in entering the home. Being so tiny, they’ll appear to you as no more than a little red speck. They can still find their way indoors and reproduce quickly wherever they lay their eggs!

 

100% of clover mites in the United States are female because they don’t need a male to reproduce. This allows them to quickly lay eggs and grow a small army of little red bugs. The eggs are as bright red as the clover mites themselves and are typically laid in dry cracks and crevices to keep them safe until they hatch.

 

What are the Potential Risks of Clover Mites in My Home? 

Clover mites won’t bite you, your children, or your pets like fleas or ticks. They also won’t significantly damage your home like termites or other wood-eating pests, but they can cause damage if you try to get rid of them the wrong way!

 

The most difficult part of dealing with clover mites is their vibrant color. If you squish a clover mite, it will leave a red stain on the surface that is nearly impossible to clean. Since getting rid of clover mites can be so messy once they’re indoors, it’s best to try and keep them from entering in the first place.

 

Clover mites also prefer to live outdoors, with plenty of clovers, grass, weeds, and other plants to feed on. If they do get into your home, they will die of dehydration in a matter of days. Although the lack of water can reduce the lifespan of clover mites, they may still lay eggs and create a much bigger issue (especially because they can lay up to 70 eggs at once!). 

 

How Can I Prevent Clover Mites in My Home?

Due to their microscopic size, sealing cracks, gaps, and holes won’t necessarily keep them out as they can find the tiniest of entry points to squeeze through. Still, it’s always best to seal up any gaps or cracks around the exterior of your home with caulking or professional help to keep all pests from creeping in. By using this preventative measure, you can reduce the chances of clover mites entering your home.

 

Here are a few other ways to make your home and the surrounding yard less hospitable to clover mites:

  1. Tend Your Lawn and Gardens

Clover mites love yards rich with weeds, clovers, and other plants to feed on, so keeping a well-manicured lawn will reduce the likelihood of an infestation. If keeping your outdoor space in check is proving difficult, we offer Lawn Care Services throughout Kansas City that can act as prevention for all kinds of pests!

 

To keep clover mites from getting too close to your home or porch, where they might find a nice dry crevice to lay their eggs, keep the perimeter of your home free of grass or plants.

  1. Secure Your Entryways

Regularly check your weather stripping on all doors leading into your home to ensure you have a secure seal. Because they love the warmth of sunshine, this is especially important for any entry points that get a lot of direct sunlight.

  1. Schedule Integrated Pest Management

The best way to save your home from pests of all kinds is to keep them from ever setting up shop in the first place! At Advantage Termite and Pest Control, Inc., we love having ongoing relationships with our customers, giving their homes regular inspections to treat any potential pest issues before they become unpleasant problems.

What Should I Do If I Already Have Clover Mites in My Home?

If you see just one or two clover mites in your home, you may be able to handle them on your own — just don’t squish them unless you want a nasty red stain on your walls, floors, or curtains! Instead, try vacuuming them up, collecting them in a wet paper towel before squishing them, or even scooping them up to deposit back outside away from your house.

 

If you’re dealing with a large infestation of clover mites in or near your home, it’s best to call a professional pest control company for help! At Advantage Termite and  Pest Control, Inc., we use eco-friendly products designed specifically for your unique situation to treat pests and reduce the likelihood of their return to your home. Our methods will leave your home both clover mite and stain-free, guaranteed! 

 

Give us a call or schedule an appointment online to bid these pests a not-so-fond farewell today.

Serving Kansas City Metro and Lawrence

Call 913.768.8989 to Get Your Free Estimate Today
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